Thursday, July 12, 2007

Brent Sutter to coach the Devils?

TSN is reporting that it's sources are saying that Brent Sutter is going to step down as the head coach and general manager of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels to possibly become the next head coach of the New Jersey Devils.Sutter coached the Rebels to a 35-28-4 record last season, but lost in 7 games to the Medice Hat Tigers in the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals in the playoffs.Sutter bought the team in 1999 and has also coached them to 3 Eastern Conference Championships and 1 Memorial Cup in 2001. In 2005 and 2006, Sutter was the head coach of the Canadian National Junior team and won gold medals both years. The Junior team is unbeaten under Sutter.

NHL Resume

-drafted 17th overall by the Islanders in 1980.-won the Stanley Cup in 1982 and 1983 with the Islanders Dynasty-played 18 seasons in the NHL with the Islanders and Black Hawks. -in 1111 regular season games played, Sutter scored 363 goals, 466 assists, and 829 points. The tenacious and feisty Sutter also had 1054 penalty minutes. -he had 30 goals and 74 points in 144 career NHL playoff games. -a tough dude. I can remember him playing on several occasions with a bloody face. After all, he is a Sutter.

That should translate into his coaching ability. At the same time, who the hell would want to coach under Lou Lamoriello? He might get turfed a few games before the playoffs start.

Rumor is that Brent's brother Brian will take over the helm in Red Deer.